Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; removing power of condemnation from Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; effective date.

HB 3971 removes the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's (OTA) power to use condemnation (the legal process to take private property for public projects without owner consent) for acquiring land for turnpike construction. The bill amends specific Oklahoma statutes (69 O.S. 2021, Sections 1706, 1722, and 1708) to eliminate this authority, requiring the OTA to negotiate land purchases with property owners instead. This change directly affects the OTA's ability to expand turnpike infrastructure without voluntary agreements from landowners. The bill does not alter the OTA's other powers, such as building and operating turnpikes at designated locations listed in the statutes.